Until just a few months ago, I would have NEVER THOUGHT of Iceland as a travel destination for me. Wait a minute, don’t I prefer warm weather, a beach with a cool cocktail in hand, and party time with friends? That USED to be my jam, but I guess working my way into my 70’s is changing me.

I also would never have considered doing an international trip SOLO, but here I am today, prepping to leave tomorrow morning. Of course I won’t be completely alone as I’m traveling with www.oattravel.com (Overseas Adventure Travel) on a 12-day small group (16 people) adventure called “Untamed Iceland”. I chose this travel company due to referrals from friends AND because I can travel solo without paying DOUBLE (it’s called a Single Supplement fee). I’m glad that some travel companies are figuring out that there are many solo travelers due to divorce, death, and simply choice.

And since I’m rather certain I won’t repeat this trip, I booked the 3-day pre-trip extension to The Westman Islands, a 45-minute ferry ride, to the southwest of the main island. There I was hoping to experience PUFFINS, but have since learned that their season is over. Can’t have everything!

My journey leaves early tomorrow morning (9/19/25) with a direct flight to Seattle on Alaska Airlines. After a 5 hour layover, enjoying the Lounge, I’ll board an overnight Icelandair flight which will arrive at 6:15am, Iceland time. It’s only a seven hour flight and Iceland is seven hours ahead of Arizona. That seems quite reasonable after the massive trip I just took this year to Australia and New Zealand.

I’ve learned so much about Iceland since deciding to do this trip. Here are just a few interesting facts that spoke to me:

• Iceland is a Nordic island in the North Atlantic Ocean about the size of Kentucky or Ohio
• Population is around 404,000 and one of the least densely populated countries in the world
• 2/3 of the population lives in the capital Reykjavik
• Iceland is very safe and has a low crime rate. The local police do not carry guns, and there is no standing military
• 85% of all their primary energy, heating, and hot water comes from geothermal sources. There are geothermal swimming pools in almost any town in the country
• Iceland had the FIRST democratically voted female president IN THE WORLD and she served 1980-1996. The current and 7th president is also a woman: Halla Tomasdottir
• Iceland is home to the world’s oldest parliament established in 930AD (Althing) and is still in existence
• LGBTQ rights rank among the highest in the world
• There are over 130 volcanoes, with 30 being active
• There is no threatening wildlife: no snakes, bears, mosquitos, or poisonous bugs. The only native mammal is the Arctic fox.
• Iceland has a naming committee that approves or declines people’s names. But when they address each other, it is always by first name, even when speaking to the president!
• A large portion of the population believes in “hidden people” or elves
• There are more sheep than people!
• The drinking water is extremely pure, refreshing and FREE!
  
  Wow, this country sounds pretty darn good to me, even though it IS very expensive, cold and windy. In fact, there are over 130 words to explain the different types of wind!!
  
  I struggle learning Spanish, so I KNOW I won’t be learning Icelandic any time soon. Let alone learning to pronounce it!

I’m certain I’ll learn MUCH MORE on my 2 week trip. I hope you’ll stay tuned.